Labour Migration and Social Security Coordination: Effects on Welfare in Countries of Origin and Destination - The Cases of Macedonia, Serbia and Kosovo

Abstract

This paper discusses the mutual effects of labour migration, social security coordination arrangements and the welfare states. It analyses country cases outside of the European Union’s coordination rules, but with a tradition of relatively functional social security coordination regimes. The assessment emphasises the importance of social security coordination. Apart from the obvious advantages for migrant workers, it shows clear advantages for both the countries of origin and destination. In that, the content of the social security agreements is equally important. It further identifies key points that require improvement. Finally, the assessment shows that reforms of the national social systems will affect the future of the social security coordination arrangements. The conclusion offers recommendations for policymakers in the region and the EU on how to improve governance of social security coordination.

Keywords: Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, migration, social security